Hodgson named new West Brom boss

Roy Hodgson has been appointed manager of West Brom, signing a contract that will keep him at the Hawthorns until 2012.

Roy Hodgson's reign at Liverpool was disastrous, but he worked wonders at Fulham
GettyImagesRoy Hodgson's reign at Liverpool was disastrous, but he worked wonders at Fulham

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Hodgson, 63, was sacked by Liverpool in January but has been given another shot at Premier League management by the Baggies, who parted company with Roberto Di Matteo last Sunday.

West Brom confirmed the news on their official website, revealing that caretaker manager Michael Appleton will take charge of the team for their clash with West Ham on Saturday.

"The Club are now channelling all of their efforts into supporting Appleton, his assistants Keith Downing and Dean Kiely and the players as they prepare for tomorrow's vital game," a statement on the Baggies website read.

Hodgson will undoubtedly have one eye on April 2, when West Brom welcome Liverpool to the Hawthorns. He endured a disastrous six-month tenure with the Reds, which saw the club suffer their worst start to a top-flight season in 57 years.

And to add insult to Hodgson's injured pride, Liverpool have enjoyed an impressive revival in fortunes since Kenny Dalglish replaced him in the Anfield hotseat.

But Hodgson still boasts an impressive managerial CV that has taken in two spells in charge of Inter Milan, as well as international positions with Switzerland and Finland. And the Englishman was named Manager of the Year by the League Managers' Association last season after guiding Fulham to the Europa League final.

West Brom are currently languishing just above the Premier League relegation zone and Hodgson has been hired with a view to saving the Baggies from the drop, as he did when he was first appointed Fulham boss.